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New Zealand and Tonga collide in arguably the most anticipated 2017 Rugby League World Cup clash so far when they square off in Waikato on Saturday afternoon.

An explosive contest awaits in Waikato on Saturday as New Zealand and Tonga battle it out for top spot in Group B - and potentially an easier quarter-final match-up.

Already set to be one of the most bruising encounters of the World Cup, the bad blood was intensified before the tournament was launched after Jason Taumalolo opted to snub the Kiwis in favour of representing Tonga.

Taumalolo has been one of Tonga’s best in their opening two victories over Scotland and Samoa, the last of which really signalling the team’s intent to go deep into the World Cup.

Tonga raced out to a big lead, scoring four of the first five tries in the match, and they were never in danger of losing, demonstrating that they deserve to be counted among contenders at least to make the final.

Which makes this contest with New Zealand particularly intriguing. There’s been a lot of talk about Tonga possibly being more of a threat than the Kiwis this tournament, and you can bet that doesn’t sit well with the New Zealand side.

New Zealand, who aren’t known for their fast starts in tournament formats, have been flawless in their first two matches, destroying Scotland 74-6 last week, following on from a comfortable 20-point triumph over Samoa.

Shaun Johnson is back and playing some of his best footy of the last two seasons - and his creativity in the halves could prove the difference, with both sides equipped with fearsome forward packs.

Tonga will provide New Zealand with their toughest test yet, but as mentioned, the Kiwis can match it with Tonga’s greatest strength - power plays through the middle. An overall classier halves pairing should ensure New Zealand come out on top in the end.